Ministry Formation Program
Overview of the Ministry Formation Program
The Ministry Formation Program is an opportunity for Ruling Elders or other church members wishing to grow in faith and understanding, to more fully participate in the ministry of their congregations or other congregations in their presbyteries. There are many ways to serve, including becoming Ruling Elders commissioned to serve a congregation.
The Plan
This is a two-year process deploying a two-track curriculum – an online track administered by Columbia Theological Seminary, and a live track administered by the Presbytery of Wabash Valley, with cohort gatherings hosted by congregations of the PWV. All participants will be on both tracks simultaneously.
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All participants will be assigned to a cohort led by two mentors/facilitators/teachers and will meet six times each year.
Orientation gathering (ZOOM)
Fall
Track 1: Online in partnership with Columbia Theological Seminary
Bible -1: Old Testament survey with attention to interpretation
Cohort members will participate in the online discussion forum
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Track 2: Live cohort gatherings will take place after each course for the purposes of:
-conversation about the online learning
-support in the study and learning processes
-workshops
-self-care and spiritual direction
-pastoral care
-resources
-worship development
-sacraments
-leadership (moderating sessions, conflict resolution, etc.)
-preaching learning and practice
-worshiping together
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Winter
Track 1: Online
Bible -2: New Testament survey with attention to interpretation
Cohort members will participate in the online discussion forum
Track 2: Live – Continuation of cohort gatherings
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Summer
Track 1: Online – Exegesis: The Psalms
Track 2: Live – Continuation of cohort gatherings
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Fall
Track 1: Online – Reformed Confessions and Theology
Track 2: Live – Continuation of cohort gatherings
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Winter
Track 1: Online – Presbyterian Polity
Track 2: Live – Continuation of cohort gatherings
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Spring
Track 1: Online – Understanding Congregations
Track 2: Final project – design and delivery of a worship service and sermon
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Graduation
Cost
Participants can expect their costs to be $1200 over two years.
Tuition to Columbia will be about $900 total.
Books and travel are estimated at about $300.
The process for applying for the Ministry Formation Program:
1. Complete and submit the online application Form MFP – 1
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2. Print off MFP-2 Session Evaluation Report meet with Session, have Clerk complete, sign and return to Presbytery office.